By 2012, the German National Committee of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) will for the very first time hold two regional sessions in the course of the National Selection. The Regional Selection Conference for southern Germany, with each eight sixth formers from twelve different grammar schools participating, will take place in the Bavarian town Traunstein between 23^rd and 26^th of February.

In this rather unknown district town, the young participants will stay at the Chiemgau-Gymnasium (a local grammar school), discuss the formation of a Global Civil Society together with two international guest delegations, write a common resolution in their respective committees and finally debate these in the course of the General assembly in the town hall.

The Regional Selection Conferences serve as qualification for the 22^nd National Selection Conference in Berlin between 25^th and 29^th of May, where a jury will choose two school delegations to represent Germany at the International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament in Amsterdam in autumn 2012 and in Munich in spring 2013.

Networked world, networked people – Europe on track towards a Global Citizenship

For young Europeans like us it is self-evident – Our friends are randomly distributed all over the world but nevertheless merely a few mouse clicks away. There have never been such easy circumstances for common commitment. New and alternative media extend our options for participation and teach globally networked mindsets.
On track towards a Global Citizenship, the existent structures and decision making processes are no longer compatible with a considerably altered idea of democracy on the part of adolescents and young adults. The EU is at the crossroads, facing challenges demanding a common response as well as dwindling endorsement of the European Idea within the EU member states. At the very same time, European policy is left behind by a generation willing to take responsibility in a Global Civil Society.
Inhomogeneous and multipolar as it has never ever been before, the European society bears particular potential to initiate and carry on transformations today. The European Youth Parliament and especially this Regional Selection Conference offer youth a podium to recognize, discuss and seize chances for Europe and themselves.

The Regional Selection Conference in Traunstein is divided into three elements: Teambuilding, Committee Word and General Assembly.

Mutual trust, common motivation and the identification of strengths and weaknesses are the indispensable fundament of a successfully working team. Therefore the first part of the session is teambuilding, creating trust and team spirit in a playful way. The Participants acquire problem solving and decision making strategies and are furthermore taught to observe group dynamics.

During the subsequent Committee Work, the young delegates exhaustively deal with several aspects of the main theme of a global civil society, what demands a sound and detailed preparation for the analysis of the current situation. Creativity and persuasive arguments are essential for finding a common position of the committee, but phrasing this concept in a resolution according to the terms of the European Parliament has to take into account every delegate’s position. Experienced chairpersons will follow and simplify reaching a consensus.

The General Assembly in the town hall is both highlight and completion of the session. It is now the participants’ task to debate the resolutions they have developed in an open, both English and French debate according to the terms of the European Parliament. Each committee will defend its own position, aiming at the adoption of their resolution by the General Assembly.

An independent jury will watch the participants during Committee Work and General Assembly in order to choose the six best school delegations, which will be invited to the 22^nd National Selection Conference of the German National Committee of the EYP in Berlin in May 2012. Evaluation criteria like cooperation within the committee, capability of argumentation, verbal skills as well as the innovativeness of ideas render the Regional Selection Conference a challenging competition.

Be part of it!

The European Youth Parliament was founded as a school project in Fontainebleau, France, in 1987. Today, the EYP is one of the largest European platforms for political debate, intercultural encounters and exchange of ideas among young people with active organisations in 35 countries. It is a unique form designed to actively engage people in the construction of their future society and seeks to promote the European dimension in education and to give European youth the opportunity to take part in a practical and positive learning experience. Democratic process, interest in current affairs, independent thinking and personal initiative are key concepts of the EYP.

For further information about the session please do not hesitate to contact the head organizer Leo Kaindl.